Former Docker, ex-Crow find new AFL clubs

Axed Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow agreed to join Gold Coast on Tuesday, the final day of the first AFL delisted player free agency period.

The 28-year-old was widely viewed as the pick of the delisted free agents on the market and chose the Suns despite reported interest from Adelaide.

Former Crows utility Ricky Henderson also found a new AFL club, the 28-year-old agreeing to join Hawthorn.

The signings follow Essendon's move to bring back top-up players James Kelly and Matt Dea as delisted free agents on Friday.

Barlow is the latest arrival in a busy off-season for the Suns that has netted Pearce Hanley (Brisbane), Jarryd Lyons (Adelaide) and Jarrod Witts (Collingwood) and seen Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia depart.

"The opportunity that arose and the presentation Marcus Ashcroft and Rodney Eade put to me was at the high end and the demographic of the group as well," Barlow said.

"I'm just super excited to come to a group that sees real worth for my attributes.

"We're going to have four picks inside the top 20 and some players that showed some real growth last year as well as the inclusions of guys like Lyons, Hanley and Witts."

Barlow played 126 games for the Dockers across seven seasons after being elevated off the rookie list.

He racked up a career-high 43 possessions against Port Adelaide this season before he was a casualty of Ross Lyon's list overhaul.

News of Barlow's signing came on the same day Gold Coast agreed to let former 15th overall pick Jarrod Garlett out of his playing contract to return home to Western Australia.

It follows Prestia's exit, the messy departure of O'Meara and the shock news skipper Gary Ablett was keen to be traded back to Geelong .

But Barlow is comfortable with his decision, having sought the counsel of several Suns players.

"There's a real excitement around the group speaking to guys like David Swallow and Michael Rischitelli," he said.

"They can't speak highly enough of where this club's going and the dynamics of it internally."

"There's perception but then there's reality, and I take what Rischitelli, (Matt) Rosa and all that tell me on face value and can't wait to crack in and enjoy becoming a Queenslander for at least the next two years."

Axed players still have two delisted player free agency periods and November's drafts to find new AFL clubs.